In The News

In California – proposition 187, the ballot initiative targeting illegal immigrants is found unconstitutional by a federal judge.

In Luxor Egypt, gunmen take over the Temple of Hatshepsut, killing at least 60 Japanese, Swiss, German and British tourists before fleeing.

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, crisscrosses the Persian Gulf region in a scramble to rally support of the U.S. campaign against Iraq. Stops included Saudi Arabia.

The U.N. orders its weapons inspectors back into Iraq after the government of Iraq, President Saddam Hussein, turned away from a confrontation that had threatened to draw the U.S. into renewed warfare.

President Clinton signs legislation to speed the movement of children from foster care to “permanent and loving homes.” The law aims at doubling the number of adoptions each year to about 54,000. The White House says some 500,000 are waiting to be adopted.

Business news – November 15, 1997

Cadillac says it will offer a sports utility vehicle – the hottest trends in autos. Cadillac resisted entering the SUV market for years, fearing that the truck-based vehicle would lower its image. With Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz now offering luxury SUV models, the decision was imminent.

Disney doing well – as the stock rises 18% due to its theme parks and movies such as “George of the Jungle.”

Trend – Don’t be surprised if begin to see advertising on your ATM. Ads for Nissan and 20th-Century Fox movies are set to play on the screens of specially rigged ATM’s in 7-11 stores around San Diego.

Mattel Introducing A New Barbie Doll

Mattel says a new Barbie – a less lusty one will debut next year. It’s called “Bead Blast Barbie” which Mattel says has a more realistic profile to the curvaceous, best-selling doll.

Princess Diana update – November 15, 1997

More Diana – Premiere Magazine reports that the late Princess Diana was considering starring Kevin Costner in a sequel to “The Bodyguard” – the 1992 hit film. Costner’s producing partner told the magazine that he was involved in the plans for Diana to try her hand at acting, but the film had no specific time frame.

Medical news – November 15, 1997

29-year-old Bobbi McCaughey gives birth to septuplets. Six of the seven born are listed in serious condition. Their weights were considered good, ranging from 2 pounds, 5 ounces to 3 pounds, 4 ounces. Ms. McCoughey and her husband Kenny are from Iowa.

Technology news – November 15, 1997

Masked gunmen break into a Scottish manufacturing plant, tying up its employees and stealing some $16 million worth of Microsoft software and authentication certificates. Microsoft says the bandits got away with 200,000 certificates of authenticity, 100,000 CD-ROMS, computers and other equipment in the November 10 heist at Thompson Litho Ltd, a contractor authorized to produce Microsoft software.

Sports news - November 15, 1997

Passing – Jockey Eddie Arcaro (81).

Entertainment – ESPN all the time.

ESPN reveals an earnest expansion plan – brand extension in a number of categories. So far, the sports cable channel has these –

ESPN the Store (launched in September)

ESPN SportsZone Internet site (launched in April 1995)

X Games (Extreme Sports) launched in 1995

ESPN Awards (Show) – From February 1993.

Look for these ESPN brand extensions…

ESPN Grill (Sports themed restaurants) – Next summer.

ESPN Magazine – Coming in March.

ESPN Almanac – Coming next year.

Television news - November 15, 1997

Passing – Character actor George Petrie – best known for his appearances in the “Honeymooners” reruns.

NBC will broadcast a commercial-free “Mad About You” on December 16. The episode, taped with one camera and with one take, deals with Paul and Jamie’s continuing efforts to deal with a crying baby Buchman. In a rarity – the whole shoot plays out in real time.

CNBC talkshow host Geraldo Rivera will anchor a new nightly newscast and an interview show on the Fox News Channel.